HATT's mission is to feed all who are hungry in body and spirit. We do so willingly and with compassion and understanding. Origins -
This community meal program began when several local women came together with the common goal of providing a free, weekly hot supper to those in need in the Greater Laconia area. Their goal was to create a warm, friendly atmosphere of giving and receiving, similar to that of a big family meal. They designed the program for those in need of food and/or friendship and support. The ambiance, organization and service of Hands Across the Table are structured to support these principals. The first meal was served in June 2011. The Program-
A free sit-down dinner is served each WEDNESDAY from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the St. Andre Bessette Parish Hall on Gilford Ave. in Laconia (behind Sacred Heart Church). Guests include those in financial need, in poor health, or in need of fellowship and support, as well as the homeless and the elderly. Many families with children attend regularly. HATT is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, dependent upon grants, fundraisers, and donations of food and money. Sponsors to date include the Meredith Village Savings Bank, Bank of New Hampshire, Heart and Hands, Aavid Engineering, Hannaford’s, Vista Foods, Vineyard Church, Saint Joseph Church of Belmont, St James Women’s Guild, South Down Garden Club, Masons Mount Lebanon Lodge # 32, United Baptist Church of Lakeport Youth Group, Open Arms Food Pantry, United Methodist Foundation, St. Vincent DePaul, and many individual donors. HATT Board members organize the program, plan menus, procure foods and donations, line up volunteer help and are present and active at each meal. Rotating volunteer organizations prepare food, serve, and clean up. Participating volunteer organizations currently include Aavid Engineering, Altrusa of Meredith, Altrusa of Laconia, Congregational Church of Laconia, Faith Hope and Love Foundation, Gilford-Laconia United Methodist, Good Shepherd Lutheran , Knights of Columbus of Belmont, Laconia Unitarian Universalist Society, Lakes Region Vineyard, Lakes Region Board of Realtors, Lakes Region Community Service Council, Masons Mount Lebanon Lodge #32, St. Andre’ Bessette Roman Catholic Church, St. James Episcopal Church, Salvation Army, Taxiarchai Greek Orthodox Church, Temple B’nai Israel, Gilford Community Church, Faith Alive and Zonta International. Many individuals unaffiliated with any group participate as “Friends of HATT”. The Dinners
Guest chefs including "Friends of HATT" , local chefs from area restaurants, and food service professionals create the weekly meals. Kitchen prep volunteers provided by HATT support the effort from start to finish. Menus are typical of home-cooked meals: a vegetable soup or salad; a main course such as chicken cacciatore, lasagna, shepherd’s pie, or roast pork; a hot vegetable; and a dessert often containing fruits. The chefs create a balanced menu including quality protein and a variety of vegetables and fruits. Because of judicious meal planning and generous donors, HATT is able to provide healthy, well-balanced meals that do not rely primarily on inexpensive starches. An average of 100-140 guests attend each supper. Primarily from Laconia, others come from 15 surrounding towns. Usually there are between 15-20 children in attendance; in the summers there are as many as 25. To Help
Volunteers can help through organizations currently active with HATT or by serving as a Friend of HATT. Those with interest or experience in leadership are invited to consider a seat on the Board of Directors. Financial and food donations are gratefully accepted. The Volunteer Coordinator or other board members may be contacted each Wednesday evening at the meals for further volunteer information. See also email info below. Mailing address: PO Box 6553, Laconia NH 03247.
